ST ALBANS CITY 0

BRAINTREE TOWN 3

Vanarama National League South

BRAINTREE Town manager Glen Driver dedicated his side’s victory at St Albans City to the club’s supporters after they chalked up their first win of the new Vanarama National League South season.

The Iron won 3-0 at Clarence Park, thanks to goals from Adam Mills, Femi Akinwande and Michael Clark to move up to 16th place in the table.

It ended a run of three straight defeats for Braintree and boss Driver was understandably delighted.

He tweeted: “Thank you to all our Braintree Town supporters tonight, that 3-0 win was for you.

“Our players gave there’s (sic) all, it’s been a tough start for us but I’m proud of the players and to get my first win as manager of this great club. #COYI”

Braintree make two changes from the side that started against Wealdstone, last weekend.

Mills and Charley Barker started at the expense of Sean Bonnett-Johnson and Rob Harvey.

Braintree came close to taking an eighth-minute lead through Ade Cole, who sent a low shot wide of the post after a good move.

And five minutes later, Mills on his full Iron debut looked odds on to score but goalkeeper Dean Snedker reacted quickly to foil him.

St Albans then began to threaten; Sam Merson failed to get his far-post header on target midway through the first half but after Mills had sent an effort just wide for Braintree, the deadlock was broken just after the half hour mark.

Mills gave Braintree the lead and almost immediately afterwards, Femi Akinwande doubled their advantage to send the visitors in at half-time 2-0 up.

St Albans started the second half brightly and began to have more possession and sent a free-kick just over the bar, just after the break.

On the hour mark, Cole’s shot was deflected away for a corner but although former Iron favourite Taylor Miles went close with a shot that was well held by Michael Johnson, the visitors stayed in charge.

With 15 minutes remaining, a huge goalmouth scramble resulted in Braintree defender Josh Urquhart having to clear off the line.

But despite the hosts pressure Braintree held out and sealed their win with a minute remaining through Michael Clark, who poked home after substitute Alfie Cerulli's attempt was saved.

Braintree Town: Johnson, Urquhart, Saunders, Manesio, Clark, Hutchings, Cole, Barker (sub Bonnett-Johnson, 73), Richardson (sub Cerulli, 82), Akinwande (sub Harvey, 79), Mills.

Substitutes (not used): Gipson, Charles.